Georgia Attorney General Launches Operation ‘Hold the Line’ to Combat Transnational Gangs

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has announced the launch of Operation “Hold the Line,” a multi-agency effort aimed at dismantling transnational gangs involved in human trafficking, organized retail crime, weapons smuggling, and fentanyl and drug trafficking across the state.

Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit, Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and Organized Retail Crime Unit will work alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the operation.

“My message to these gangs is clear: Georgia is not, and will never be, a safe haven for violent criminals,” said Carr. “We will track you down, prosecute you, and dismantle your operations.”

The operation targets violent gangs such as Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization that originated in a Venezuelan prison and has expanded to at least 16 states, including Georgia. The gang is linked to human trafficking, drug distribution, and other crimes. Both brothers of Jose Ibarra, the Venezuelan migrant accused of murdering Laken Riley, have been connected to Tren de Aragua.

Authorities report that transnational criminal networks are fueling the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, was involved in nearly 70 percent of the more than 107,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023. Homeland Security Investigations recently arrested two illegal migrants running a drug operation in Maryland and Georgia.

Operation “Hold the Line” is one of several initiatives Carr has pursued to address crime and illegal immigration in Georgia. His office has filed lawsuits against the Biden administration to challenge policies such as “catch and release,” keep “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42 in place, and ensure the deportation of violent offenders who enter the country illegally.

In 2023, Carr’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit secured convictions against three illegal migrants for trafficking a child in Cherokee and Fulton counties. His Gang Prosecution Unit also collaborated with Richmond County law enforcement to seize 15 pounds of fentanyl, an amount capable of killing 3.5 million people. Carr continues to lead a statewide task force to combat the opioid epidemic.